Unfortunately I don’t see the Panthers’ future quite as dark. Allen is a competent QB and McCaffery is an absolute force. Next year the new GM (I won’t be shocked if they go full force after Ireland) will trade Newton for multiple draft picks clearing his salary and gaining them picks. They may lose out which will raise their draft position. So their brand new scouting dept (they fired their whole scouting dept.) should have a bunch of top picks to reload.
The Panthers also got the jump on every team waiting to fire their HC and/or GM (Falcons, Cowboys, Bengals, Chargers, etc.). They will get the first run at all the hot Head Coach candidates. I for one won’t be shocked if Riverboat Ron ends up as Cowboys HC next season.